Night&Day

Los Angeles is still headquarters of the film world, but Justin Routt, the creator and owner of Birch Creek Films, sees a bright future for movies right here in Miami. "If you have a really good script and an agent, it doesn't matter where you live. And the weather here is almost perfect year-round, people are really accommodating, and we have a great film commission," says Routt. This determined filmmaker is forging his own path in the industry. Tonight, he's hosting an indie film night. Party people and film buffs are invited to view his films Killer Coffee, a comedic short, and a six-minute thriller, Alternate Paths, which is up for an award at this year's Palm Beach International Film Festival. After the screenings, enjoy drinks, industry networking, and hotel, wine, and fitness giveaways at 9:00 at Amika, 1532 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Call 305-534-1499, or visit www.bcfs.us. (PEGY)

FRI 15

Courtesy of FICPA

We're not wearing any pants

Celebrate the end of tax season with a bunch of guys wearing suit coats and ties, but no pants. The Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants is hosting the sixteenth annual 1040K Run and Fitness Walk starting tonight at 7:00 in front of Miami City Hall (3500 Pan American Dr., Miami). The race (which includes 5K and 10K runs, a 5K walk, and a 5K wheelchair event) is open to the public and all proceeds benefit the FICPA Educational Foundation, which awards scholarships to African-American accounting students. Registration costs range from $10 to $30, which scores you a free T-shirt and food and drinks at the postrace party hosted by Monty's Raw Bar. Call 305-255-1500, or visit www.miamirunnersclub.com. (LO)

SAT 16

Hey, what's Tommy Lee Jones doing riding a horse on South Beach? The pony-loving actor will be playing for the United States Team I (captained by Outback Steakhouse owner Tim Gannon) in the Miami Beach Polo World Cup 2005. The ponies are taking over the beach between Eleventh and Twelfth streets (directly across from event sponsor Casa Casuarina, a.k.a. the Versace mansion) this weekend, so be sure to keep those flip-flops on and watch your step. Polo teams from Europe and South America will compete against two U.S. teams for the championship title. General admission is free to the public; VIP tickets cost $100. The event runs April 15 through 17 and starts at 4:00 p.m. each day. Don't miss the prematch horse parade featuring all competing teams marching along Ocean Drive Friday at 4:00. Call 1-866-468-7630, or visit www.miamipolo.com for a complete schedule of events. (LO)

SUN 17

Aveda is totally awesome. This company has earned a reputation for making high-quality makeup and skin and hair care products. But while other cosmetics companies choose to continue harming the environment and testing products on defenseless animals (we're looking at you, Procter & Gamble), Aveda goes beyond the call of duty by not only producing cruelty-free items made from pure flower and plant essences but also by promoting green issues. Every April, Aveda goes into high gear for National Earth Month. Local salons will join the fight to save threatened and endangered species by making donations to Reef Relief, an organization that protects living coral reef ecosystems. Today all proceeds generated from color and cut services at Van Michael Miami (1667 Michigan Ave., Miami Beach) will go to this charity. Make yourself pretty and save the planet from noon to 5:00 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Call 305-534-6789.

(PEGY)

MON 18

Designer Todd Oldham is spreading his wings. Not just content with putting his stamp on fashion, Oldham is now making waves in furniture design, joining forces with La-Z-Boy to create a quirky, visually arresting collection that includes sofas, ottomans, rugs, lamps, and, of course, the comfy reclining chairs this company is best known for. Tonight, Oldham is in town to reveal his new line and present inspiring do-it-yourself ideas in his new book Handmade Modern: Mid-Century Inspired Projects for Your Home, a funky reference for those who yearn for chic retro furniture but can't afford it. Details at Home (1711 Alton Rd., Miami Beach) is hosting the event and simultaneously celebrating its sixteenth year as a furniture/design force to be reckoned with. Enjoy cocktails and food, and enter a raffle to win a suite of Oldham's new furniture tonight at 6:30. Reservations are required. Call 305-674-1300, Ext. 300. (PEGY)

TUE 19

If you're looking for a new creative outlet, consider the beautiful and harmonious art of Chinese calligraphy and brush painting. Angela Chang will teach the history of the craft, the basic brush strokes, and the correct handling of the paints and brushes, and you'll create a new piece of art -- perhaps something with bamboo and orchids -- for your home. The three-week course starts today at 3:00 (beginners) and 6:30 (intermediate) at the MIAMIntelligence Center, 2000 S. Dixie Hwy., Miami. The cost of the class (which includes materials) is $100; $125 for nonmembers. Call 305-860-2499, or visit www.miamintelligence.org. (LO)

WED 20

Dude! It's 4/20, man. The Pot-Smokers' Holiday. Wait a sec. (Click. Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle. Cough, cough.) Okay, so what were we talking about? Oh, right. According to High Times magazine (www.420.com), the whole 420/marijuana connection originated in 1971 when a group of San Rafael, California high school students would meet at 4:20 p.m. for an afterschool toke. (The whole rumor about it being some kind of police code for marijuana is untrue: www.snopes.com.) In honor of the Hippie New Year, we wanted to write about a 420-related event, but as of press time the celebrating slackers have yet to produce any press releases. Don't worry; we've got a suggestion: Visit a head shop -- maybe High Tide Tobacco and Gifts (9814 S. Dixie Hwy., Miami; 305-670-6633) -- and pick up a new toy, stock up on plenty of salty and sweet snacks, and watch a classic stoner movie. The brilliant Richard Linklater film Dazed and Confused is a good choice for seeing Ben Affleck and Matthew McConaughey at their finest. Or maybe you haven't seen Jon Stewart's stunning performance as the Enhancement Smoker in Half Baked ("You ever seen Scent of a Woman on weed?"). But if you've got the hookup, check out Showtime's musical remake of the 1938 propaganda film Reefer Madness (starring Neve Campbell, Alan Cumming, and Kristen Bell) tonight at 8:00. However you choose to celebrate, be sure to do it with a bud. (LO)